Pete Rose may have to buy a ticket to see Reds honor 1975 team

Wednesday, February 9th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

CINCINNATI (AP) -- A request by the Cincinnati Reds to invite Pete Rose to ceremonies honoring the 1975 World Series champions was denied by baseball commissioner Bud Selig. Selig allowed Rose to participate in ceremonies last October honoring baseball's All-Century team, but turned down Cincinnati's request to bring rose to June 3 festivities honoring the team that beat the 1975 Boston Red Sox in a seven-game World Series. "It's part of the ban," baseball spokesman Rich Levin said. "We made an exception for the All-Century team and only for that instance."

Rose, MVP of the 1975 Series, agreed to a lifetime ban from baseball in 1989 following an investigation of his gambling. He applied three years ago for reinstatement, but no decision has been made. "Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject, and a very misunderstood one," baseball commissioner Bud Selig told The Cincinnati Enquirer. "But as things stand, there's been no change. "I did make an exception for the all-century team because fans were voting and I didn't want to do anything to stop that. But we said it was a one-time thing."

Rose was not available for comment. "We're going to abide by major league baseball's rules," Reds chief operating officer John Allen said. "I know it's a sensitive issue, and I know that there are pro-Pete Rose fans out there.

In Cincinnati, there are a lot more because he's a real hometown hero. But we didn't suspend him, and we can't un suspend him." Rose left Cincinnati for Philadelphia after the 1978 season and helped the Phillies win the 1980 World Series. The Phillies plan to honor that team June 15-17 at Veterans Stadium. "Sometime, we will approach the commissioner's office," Phillies spokesman Larry Shenk said. "But it's on the back burner right now. Pete wasn't permitted in 1990 when we had the 10-year reunion. I guess he can buy a ticket."